Battambang and the Bamboo train!

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Today we we got out of bed at another ungodly hour (5.30 am....don't these people know I'm on holidays!!), and met a bus which would take us on a 6 hour boat ride from Siem Riap to Battambang.

Now while that sounds fairly shite, I can say that despite the heat and the length of the trip it wasn't too bad. I found it a fairly surreal experience to be sitting on the floor of the boat, watching houses in the middle of nowhere in the water on stilts, and having "recapturing the vibe" by Hilltops blaring through my iPod. Also I can highly recommend Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre...read half on the plane over, and half on the boat...great book!!!

Siem Riap is the second largest city after Phnom Pehn (the capital) and Battambang is the 3rd. On the whole.....a little run down, but there are many of the old french buildings still remaing. Has a very old school feel about it. Far fewer beggars hassling you and the moto drivers we had today we unbelivably cool! After our man Jake amused me no end for about an hour..... (an excellent example is Andrew complementing him on his english by saying "ÿou speak english very well" to which Jake replied...."Thankyou, so do you!"

He talked us into going on the "Bamboo train ride"...sounded a bit iffy, but was a blast sitting on the floor of a trolley arrangement that runs on a diesel motor that they build as you watch...then riding on the motos back into town, made for a very fun afternoon. Out for a local meal, then here to bore the crap out of you good people.

Til next time ........ (sorry there are no accident or bleeding stories today....but we're hiring moto's to go out and look at some temples tomorrow....that might give me some fodder!!)

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Photos

The Bamboo Express!!!
Ricko, Nunny, Chopper and friends on the, fun as a barrell of monkeys, Bamboo Train

Temple on the Water
I think the stilts make them closer to heaven!!

The Bamboo Express-All aboard!
Ricko, Nunny, Chopper and our drivers, and some stray kids who came along for the ride

Comments

[forgetfullpit]

Hi uncle chop chop, I'm glad you are having a great time and I printed these out for your mum and she thought they were great, it made her day. I now know for sure that you inherited the bullshit gene from your dad and that makes for a great story teller. Keep them coming I look forward to it.

[JaseThe Ace]

Schnitty @the del chop chop??
Kingy, stop taking pics of foreign kids. The uni is asking questions about whats appearing in my emails. The pics of mark have also been graded offensive. Am really happy for ya that your having a tops time bud. Sheree Jade Katie and I all think that your bed is really comfy too. Pics to come - see www.wererootinginchopsbed.com

[Mummy]

It must stink being you!!!!
Hi lovely just letting you know while your off having fun...... Im here in the pissing down rain trying to grow grass and pack an entire house into 5 boxes. Love you xxxx